Quick mixer



May 12, 1964 l.. H. GARLlNGHousE 3,132,848

QUICK MIXER INVENTOR. LEsL/E H. GQL/NGHOUSE BY 3M wa/AM ATTORNEYS FiledMay 22, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENToR. lEsL/E IL Gnu/Ms House ATTORNEYSMay 12, 1964 L. H. GARLlNGl-louse 3,132,848

QUICK MIXER 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 22, 1961 "INI/ENTOR. ESL/E HGQRL/NGHOUSE ATTORNEYS 4 May 12, 1964 l.. H. GARLINGHoUsE 3,132,848

QUICK MIXER Filed May 22, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 IN VEN TOR. ESL/E H.QL/Ne House 34Min Mmc/QM,

ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,132,848 QUICK R Leslie H.Garlinghouse, Pasadena, Calif., assigner to Garlinghonse Brothers, LosAngeles, Calif., a copartnership Filed May 22, 1961, Ser. No. 129,918 1SClaims. (Cl. 259-72) The invention relates to mixing devices land is oneespecially well adapted to the mixing of ingredients where it isadvantageous to complete the mixing as quickly as possible when there iscall -for delivery of the mixed product, especially where theingredients once mixed must be used immediately but which in an unmixedcondition can be held for a relatively long period. The mixing deviceand system herein disclosed, although especially Well adapted to themixing of concrete, is equally well adapted to the mixing of othermaterials both in a dry state and in a liquid state.

There are certain types of materials, of which the ingredients ofconcrete represent an example which, when preserved in a dry, unmixedcondition, can be stored for indefinite lengths of time and either heldin stock piles or shipped in that condition without need for specialhandling or special preservation, When, however, mixing has beenaccomplished as in the case of concrete,

the mixture must be made use of with considerable promptness in orderthat the mixture does not begin to set before being removed from lthemixer or perhaps before being removed from some discharge hopper, con--tainer or bucket. The same condition holds true of a varity of othermaterials as, for example, certain plastics incorporating chemicalhardeners and catalysts which cause the mass, once mixed, to set up in arelatively hard condition.

In recognition of the `foregoing circumstances in the handling ofconcrete which is a typical example, an extensive business has beenbuilt up wherein the ingredients are mixed in transit in devices mountedon trucks While the ingredients are being transported from a source ofsupply to a particular job where the concrete is to be poured. Althoughit is possible to carry only a dry mix in the mixer duringtransportation with water transported in a readily -available tank sothat the concrete will not be mixed too soon, this means of handling thesituation has its limitations. Transit mix trucks are expensive piecesof equipment and where they are transporting nothing but dry sand, drygravel, and dry cement from one place -to another it becomes anexpensive way of hauling such ingredients which could just as readily bedone in much less expensive dump trucks.

Further still, such transit mix trucks are large and heavy and clearlythe container in which the ingredients are mixed in transit must be -anintegral part of the transit mix truck. Hence, it is not one which forpractical reasons can be disengaged from the truck at any time should itbecome desirable to use the mixer itself as a concrete placing bucket.

The limitations of this type of equipment leave much to be desired forthe most eicient and economical handling of material of this kind inparticular. Many of the same circumstances hold true of other ltypes ofmaterial which need mixing before use.

'It is therefore among the objects of the invention to provide a new andimproved rapid mixer for materials which by resort to a simplemechanical motion causes a complete and thorough mixture of variedingredients during a space of time that can be measured in relativelyfew seconds.

Another object of the invention is -to provide a new and improved quickmixing device capable of handling either dry, pasty or liquidingredients and which in a few brief moments of operation is capable ofthoroughly mixing the ingredients in either small quantities or in verylarge quantities -to a condition where -they are ready for immediateuse, the system and device being such as to be capable of use either asa batch mixer or a continuous mixer.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a new and improvedmixing device for varied ingredients which can be employed as acontainer for transporting the material in unmixed -form to thedestination and on occasions even lifted to the precise locality Whereplacement of the material is to take place and there mixed almos-tinstantaneously ready for use.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new and improved rapidmixer for materials which comprises a container entirely clear on theinterior whereby to avoid the presence of operating parts which may besubject to wear and abrasion, which may be of such character as toprovide a source of objectionable impurities to the mix, or which may beof such character as to necessitate servicing and replacement.

Another object of the invention is to provide a new land improved quickmixing device for various and sundry materia-ls and ingredients whichcan be builtin virtually any size and which in Whatever size may bechosen is capable `of extremely rapid mixing potential by use of arelatively small amount of power applied momentarily only `andaccordingly one capable of achieving a very rapid mix at a relativelyinexpensive rate, especially in that the mixing need not begin until themix is actually needed whereupon the mixture can be immediatelydischarged and employment of power discontinued.

With these andkother objects in view, the invention consists in theconstruction, arrangement and combination of the various parts of thedevice, whereby the objects contemplated are attained, as hereinafterset forth, pointed out in the appended claims and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIGURE l is a side elevational view of one `form of the device set up asa batch mixer mounted upon an automobile truck chassis.

FIGURE 2 is a rear View of -the device of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary elevational view of the wobble diive of FIGUREl, partially broken away.

FIGURES 4, 5 `and 6 are successive schematic views of the container andwobble support showing successive positions in the cycle of operation.

FIGURE 7 is a side elevational view of a modied `form of the device.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary plan view of the device of FIGURE 7. l

FIGURE 9 is a side elevational view of another form of the device.

FIGURE 10 is a side elevational View of still another form of the deviceresting temporarily in a position for mixing upon a trailer.

FIGURE l1 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the upper portionofthe device of FIGURE l0 in the position assumed after being liftedclear of the trailer.

FIGURE l2 is a form of the device somewhat similar to the device ofFIGURE 10 but mounted for operation as a continuous mixer.

FIGURE 13 is still another form of device constructed in a manner toprovide continuous mixing, the device being shown schematically in sideelevation.

FIGURE 13a is a cross sectional view on the line 13a13a of FIGURE 13.

FIGURE 14 is a vertical sectional view of a device somewhat similar tothat shown in FIGURE 4 but with the interior arranged slightlydiierently.

form of the device.

In one of the embodiments of the invention chosen for the purpose ofillustration a container for materials to be mixed indicated generallyby the reference character itl is shown mounted upon a typical truckchassis l1 constituting a mobile support for the container by means ofwhich it can be transported at will to its destination.

More particularly there is provided upon the chassis a frame comprisingcolumns l2 placed forwardly of the chassis and columns 1.3 placedrearwardly. Beams 14 extend from the tops of the columns 12 to the topsof the columns 13 and corresponding beams (not shown) extendtransversely to complete the supporting framework for the container id.For convenience a pivot connection 15 may be provided between the topsof the columns 13 and the beams I4 so that by making use of a hydrauliclift device 16, one element 17 on each side being secured to a bracket18 on the respective column 13, and the other element 19 on each sidebeing secured respectively to an extension Ztl of the respective beami4, the beams may be tilted upwardly, as pictured in the broken lineportion of FIGURE l.

In this form of the device the container employed consists of a exiblesack 21 having a closed bottom wall 22 and a rim 23 forming an open top.The rim 23 is secured by suitable conventional means to the fore and aftbeams 114 and two transverse beams 11i', one of which is shown in FIGURE2. The rim 23 is accordingly supported in operating condition by thebeams when the beams and the container are in operative conditionresting upon the chassis in the attitude illustrated in FIG- URES 1, 2and 3 of the drawings.

To impart the desired mixing motion to the ilexible sack of thecontainer, there is employed a wobble plate 25, here shown as a disk ofappreciable thickness, and upon which rests the closed bottom 22 of theilexible sack. In this form of invention it may be assumed that thebottom 22 is iirmly attached to the wobble plate. To induce a wobblemotion in the wobble plate and consequently in the closed bottom 22, aplate support 26 is made use of attached to the wobble plate 25. Theplate support has a central bushing 27 in which is rotatably positioneda shaft 28 having a head 29 thereon received in a recess 30 of the platesupport. A lower end 31 of the shaft is secured in a head 32 of avertical drive shaft member 33 on al1 axis which is tilted relative tothe vertical and which also is offset relative to Vthe axis of the driveshaft member 33.

Where the imparting of rotary motion to the closed bottom 22 is to beavoided, it may be preferable to so locate and tilt the axis of theshaft 28 with respect to the axis of the drive shaft 33 in order thatthe axes intersect at the topmost portion of the shaft 28. Althoughsatisfactory results have been experienced by tilting the axis of theshaft 23 as much as about 27 degrees from vertical where moderate speedof rotation is used, smaller angles of tilt may on occasions bepreferable. A range of from about 5 degrees of tilt to about 30 degreesof tilt is possible, the lesser degree of tilt necessitating generally amore rapid rate of rotation. In consequence the plane of the wobbleplate 25, or at least the upper surface thereof, will be tilted at anappropriate angle from horizontal of between about 5 degrees and 30degrees.

To provide support for the drive shaft member 33 and to mount it in aposition so that the drive shaft in turn can support the wobble plateand ultimately the bottom of the container, the shaft 33 has a suitableconventional vertical mounting 34 on a bottom member 35 of the truckchassis 11.

To motivate the drive shaft, there is provided a worm gear 36, forexample, on the drive shaft in operated engagement with a worm wheel 37,which in turn is nonrotatably connected to a drive shaft 3S originatingin a clutch 39. The clutch may be manipulated between on and oipositions by means of a clutch handle 40 whereby the drive shaft 38secures its power from a suitable source (not shown) in the truckchassis to a shaft extension 41.

The container and more particularly the flexible sack or bowl 2 is forthe purpose of receiving and mixing the ingredients such, for example,as gravel, sand, cement and water, in order to make a concrete mix`After the mix has been completed, as a matter of convenience, themixture can be discharged from the flexible sack by ernployment ofsubstantially conventional clam shell gates 45 and de. To make operationof the gates possible, the structural elements comprising the beams 14,14 may be tilted upwardly from the solid line position of FIGURE l tothe broken line position of FIGURE 1 pivoting about the pivotconnections l5. Once in this position the gates 45 and 46 may bemanipulated to open and closed position alternatively by employment of apower device 47 of some suitable sort. Inasmuch as the gates overhangthe rear of the chassis when in the discharging position, a wheelbarrow,concrete cart, bucket, or other appropriate receptacle, can be locatedbeneath the gates in order to receive material discharged thereby. Onsome occasions the gates may discharge directly into forms for theplacing of the concrete.

In upward position under those circumstances where the wobble plate 25is actually secured to and made part of the closed bottom 22, it becomesadvisable to elevate the plate support 26, shaft 2S, and appropriategearing comprising the worm gear 36 and worm wheel 37, as well as themounting element within which the mounting 34 of the shaft is secured.Appropriate conventional connections may be provided inasmuch as theparts herein described are suggestive only of this particular portion ofthe drive train.

In the operation of this form of the device it is anticipated that thedrive shaft member 33 will be rotated at such a degree that the wobblemotion imparted to the wobble plate 25 will be suiiiciently rapid sothat portions Sil, 50', Sil", etc., will first move upwardly whereby totoss parti-cles 51, 51', Si, etc., upwardly into the mass, after whichthe corresponding portions 50, 50', 50, etc., will move away from theparticles thus tossed up into the mass at a speed which exceeds theacceleration of gravity in order that the particles thus tossed up intothe mass will not fall back to the closed bottom of the iiexible sackbut instead other particles will work their way beneath the particlesthus tossed up. In practice an effective rate of rotation of the wobbleplate has been found to be such that each element of its surface movesup and down at an accelerating rate of not less than about 32.16 feetper second per second.

On an eight-inch trial wobble plate Where speed and acceleration figureswere made the subject of careful study, it was found that the mixerworked extremely effectively where the speed of rotation of the shaftmember 33 was about 40() rpm., making a speed at the periphery of thewobble plate of about L6 times the acceleration due to gravity, namely,l.6 32.2 feet per second. This was accomplished by employment of asource of power of one-third horse power embodied in an electric motor.It was found furthermore, as a result of extensive recordings madeduring the trial period, that the speed of rotation was effective andremains substantially the same for virtually all types of mixingprocesses which include the mixing of very Wet concrete, the mixing ofwhat is customarily identified as dry concrete mixes, the mixing of dryingredients alone, the mixing of pasty masses, actually sundry types ofdry rocket propellant, as well as various types of liquids.

Where materials such as concrete mix are adequately mixed in the mixerand thereafter dumped from the mixer, the iiexible sack can be quicklyand effectively cleaned by merely dumping a quantity of water into thellexible sack and subjecting the sack to the same type of wobble motionmade use of in initially mixing the ingredients,

after which the dirty water can be poured clear, leaving the sacksatisfactorily clean.

Moreover, in the performance of ythe mixing operation which is resortedto for mixing up aggregate of different types with sand, dry cement andwater, by way 'of example, it is noted further that not only does thetossing of the materials upwardly by the wobble motion of the wobbleplate affect the adequacy of the mix, but movement of the flexible wallof the flexible sack, as indicated at the points 52 and 53 of FIGURES 4,5 and 6, adds appreciably to the mixing effect. For example, when thepoint 50 is down, as indicated in FIGURES 4 and 5, the fold area 52 onthe flexible sack is straightened out slightly and the force of thisstraightening tosses particles 54 upwardly and inwardly into the mass.At the same moment the portion 50", being in an upwardly moved position,forms a pocket-like fold 53 for the particles 51 v into which some ofthe particles fall. When this is followed subsequently during rotationof the wobble plate by the motion described for the portion 50 and fold52, the tossing of the particles, which in this instance are identifiedby the particles 51", will throw those particles back in the mass, aspreviously described for the particles 54.

During this movement there will also be imparted to particles adjacentthe surface of the closed bottom a peripheral movement indicated by thearrow S5. This is an additional motion given to particles which chanceat the particular moment to be substantially in contact with the surfaceof the closed bottom. It will, however, be appreciated that motion ofthe particles taking .place as rapidly as described produces aconstantly moving and rapidly moving motion in virtually every singleparticle of the mixture of materials within the sack which might, forpurposes of explanation, be likened to the familiar Brownian movement ofparticles in the manner described in textbooks on physics. At the rateof rotation of 400 r.p.m. there will be a somewhat vibratory motionapparent in the flexible sack which is simply a result of the rapidwobble motion imparted to the wobble plate and the corresponding portionof the closed bottom coupled with the llexino of the walls of the sackadjacent the bottom, all of which takes place with considerable rapiditysuch that the entire mixture in the sack is completely and thoroughlyadmixed, one type of particle with another, during an interval of about21/2 seconds. The time interval appears to be substantially the sameirrespective of the character of the ingredients mixed and the size ofthe sack. The important factor appears to be the speed of rotation suchthat movement of points or portions on the wobble plate in asubstantially vertical direction exceeds the acceleration due to gravityso that particles tossed up into the mass are tossed far enough to beengulfed in the mass and are prevented from falling back upon acorresponding portion of the bottom from which they have been tossed.

More, although the flexible sack in the chosen example has beenindicated as being a completely flexible sack such as might be made offabric reinforced rubber or similar flexible material, it wlil beunderstood that the entire sack need not be flexible since that portionof the closed bottom which is in contact with the wobble plate need notbe flexible inasmuch as it remains unilexed during-operation. Furtherstill, upper portions of the side wall of the sack are not subjected toflexing and consequently these portions of the sack likewise may be ofstiff material of an inflexible character should such a structure from apurely structural standpoint be more feasible under certaincircumstances.

Although a wobble plate strictly has been described in connection withthe form of invention illustrated in FIG- URES l through 6, inclusive, amotion sufficient to generate an effective wave pattern in a sack orbowl 21 may be achieved by other means. For example, in FIGURE 7 thereis shown a sack or bowl with a semiflexible plain surfaced bottom 22'.To impart a wave motion to this bot-tom, a drive shaft 61 has attachedthereto a transverse shaft 62 at the outer end of which is a wide treadroller 63. The roller is preferably one which rotates relative to thetransverse shaft 62 in order that as the drive shaft 61 rotates ata'speed of about 400 r.p.m. or such related speed as may be needed toproduce the desired speed of rise and fall of the portions of the sackor bowl, the roller 63 will roll in a circular path on the underside ofthe bottom 22 and give to it a wave motion which may, for example, bethe wobble motion described for the plate of FIGURES l through 6,inclusive. Where the bottom is flexible or semiflexible a deformation 64may be formed which follows around with the wheel, and which may berelied upon to still further improve the effect.

In still another form of the device illustrated in FIG- URE 9 where asimilar sack or bowl 21 having a bottom 22 is employed, a wave patternis achieved in a slightly different manner. Although a drive shaft 66 isshown by of example other drive means may be employed. The drive shaftis provided with a cam plate 67 upon which is a cam 68 adjacent theperimeter. The cam 68 provides in effect what may be described as a camdrive against plungers 69, 7 tl, 71, etc., in a circumferentiallyprogressive sequence whereby one after anotherof the plungers iselevated against the bottom 22", thereby to give the bottomsubstantially the same wave motion or more specifically in this examplethe same wobble motion as has been described for the wobble plate 25.The speed of rotation, of course, of the drive shaft 66 can be varied atwill to suit different demands. It is, of course, desirable to have thespeed one capable of producing the same resultant vertical movement ofportions of the bottom which exceeds the rate of acceleration of gravityof the particles contained in the sack 21".

In another form of the device, as illustrated in FIG- URES 10 yand 11 lasomewhat larger flexible sack 75 is made use of. The sack 75 is of thesame fabric reinforced rubber-like material but elongated considerablyso yas to be capable of resting simultaneously upon three aligned wobbleplates 76, 77 and 78. At the left end of the sack, las illustrated inFIGURE 10, there is provided a charging hatch 79 which when iopened sothat a 4lid 80 `is elevated to the broken line position there shown, ma-

lterial :can be charged into the sack. Appropriate means may be employedto distend the sack Vif the sack is to be loaded while n the position ofFIGURE 10i,l although it may be preferable by employment of a suspensionfixture or bracket `8l having a hole 82 therein so that by hooking falifting hook y83 at the end of 'a lift llineSlt into the hole 82, thesack may be suspended and in suspended position may be loaded throughthe hatch '79. Loading can in fact be done at the discharge end. Y

A-t the opposite end of the sack there is provided a frame A86 withinwhich is mounted -a pair of clamshell gates `87 and 88 of substantiallyconventional kind manipulated, if preferred, by employment of ahydraulic ram indicated by thebroken lines 89 in FIGURE l0. When thesack is in position upon a trailer indicated generally by the referencecharacter 90, a suitable bracket 91 on a chassis 92 may be employed inwhich to rest a ring 93 of the frame 86.

The chassis 92, extending rearwardly so as to be supported by wheels 94and having la part 95 extending forward-ly so as to be supported bywheels 96 provides a mobile elongated support for the sack 75. It may beassumedA in this -fo-rm of the device that the wobble plates 76, 77 and78 are not attached 4to the flexible wall of the sack but that the sackmerely rests upon the plates during transit and during the mixing cycle.

'Ilhe construction and operation of the wobble plates 76, 77 and 78 ofthis form of the invention is substantially the same las that already[described in connection with FIGURES l, 2 and 3. For example, driveshafts 97, 98 tand 99 'are rotatably mounted in suitable bushings 100,

areas/la 7 101 and 102 supported in an elongated portion 1113 of thechassis 92. A common drive shaft 104 may he employed suitably ygeared byappropriate gearing of the type illustrated in FIGURES l, 2 and 3 ltothe drivev shafts 7, 98 tand 99, respectively. For driving the driveshaft 1104, a shaft 105 may he employed to take power from .a suitablesource (not shown) whereby :to transmit the rotating power through anintermediate shaft 14115 through suitable connections 107 and 108 to thechassis 10d. The only important requisite lies in the fact that theremust he suflicient power supplied to accommodate the load of materialsuperimposed upon the wobble plates Aand to give the necessary wobblemotion to the plates at the speedneeded to effect `a thorough, rapidmixing.

After a few brief moments of mixing by `operation `of all three of thewobble plates simultaneously, the entire contents of the sack 7S will beeffectively and thoroughly mixed. This, of course, preferably takesplace at the point lof discharge or adjacent thereto immediately priorto the need for the completed mix. Thereupon, by use of the hook S3, thesack may be elevated by appropriate conventional means and carried to adesired point of discharge. At such a location the gates '89 and S3 maybe manipulated in a well-known manner, thereby to either gradually orrapidly discharge the contents of the sack 75.

Following discharge, the sack may `be partially iilled with water andreadjusted upon the chassis, Vat which location the water can -beagitated for :a few seconds -hy rotation of the wobble plates :andthereafter the wash water dumped, after which the sack is ready Ifor asucceeding mixing operation.

ln addition to a hatch type mixing operation, as has heen described inconnection with FIGURES '1 through ll, inclusive. the device also lendsitself to use as a continuous and extremely rapid mixer. To `accomplishthis there may he provided la stationary hed, indicated generally by thereference character 115, constructed of columns 116, `117 `and 118 highenough to lsupport la platform 119 at a level high enough so that a cart`120 may be rolled beneath a discharge chute 121. The discharge chuteforms the discharge end of la sack or container 122 of the elongatedvariety similar to that described in connection with FIGURES 10 and l1.In this instance also .there is provided a loading hatch 123 at theopposite end into which the ingredients may he loaded into the sackformixing.

To accomplish the mixing there are provided the same type wobble plates124, 125 :and 126i, as has heen previously described, upon which thecontainer 122 is mounted. For a continuous operation device like thatillustrated in FIGURE l2, the wobble plates may he permanently :attachedto the sack. As usual the wobble plates are tilted lwith respect .to iahorizontal plane at ian angle of about 27 degrees land rotated byope-ration of drive shafts 127, 128 and 1,29. These may all he rotatedsimultaneously hy a single common shaft :1307 appropriately mounted inthe platform for rotation from a source of power (not shown).

For continuous opera-tion material may be loaded at an extremely rapidrate into the hatch 123 las, for example, by passing it therein-tothrough a chute l131 so that material can be lied with extreme rapidityinto the container 122. Because the mix operates so fast, there may betimes during the cycle when agitation will not be necessary as, `forexample, when the discharge chute i121 is closed. When carts are to beused to carry away the completed mix, the periods of inactivity of thewobble plates may be relatively frequent. A handle [132 may serve toopen and close the discharge chute from time to time in order to lillcontainersV such as the carts 120. On other occasions, however, where itmay he advisable to carry away the mix more rapidly, a pipe or conduitor' appropriate trough such as those commonly used on large concretepouring projects (not shown) may be placed with one end beneath thedischarge chute and mixed concrete led continuously away from the chuteto the forms as fast yas it is mixed. It will he understood that becauseof the extreme rapidity of action of this type of device, the lastdescribed method of placement will more frequently be preferred and byits use vast masses .and tareas of concrete Ican he placed with extremerapidity. rIlis not only provides ya rapid pour but also is especiallyadvantageous for the pouring of monolithic slabs and monolithicstructures fwhere it lis highly detrimental to have portions of the mass:begin to set up before :the entire mass is completely poured, therebycausing unnecessary strains yand joints in what would otherwise be amonolithic mass.

As evidences of the thoroughness of the lachieved by :the wobble motionhereinabove described, cross-sections ot a terrazzo in which individualaggregates of distinguishing color have been interjected show an almostperfectly uniform disposition of all of the particles. As furtherevidence of the thoroughness of the mix even though only seconds passbetween initiation of operation and its complet-ion, aggregate uponexamination subsequent to discharge and setting shows completeenvelopment of all particles lby the cement grout. Further still,tension tests on samples of concrete mixed by the process hereindescribed show tensile strength equal to and greater than that possibleby employement of conventional mixing technique heretofore available.Further still, the result-ant etfect of a system which permits standbyloads to remain indefinitely adjacent a job ,and then :be mixed in amatter of seconds establishes =a condition which is very notoriouslyeconomical of use of both equipment, power and labor while at the sametime ibeing one productive of `an especially eiiective concre-te mix ofvirtually any desired consistency.

Although there is a plurality of wobble plates shown in FGURES l0 and l2each capable of producing a wave form pattern of motion in material inthe containers, it will be understood that this is largely a conveniencesince one plate only for supporting the container is likewise capable ofgiving to the container and its contents a satisfactory wave formpattern.

in the forms of invention hereinbefore described, the mechanism has beenadapted to the device in such form as to produce a Wave pattern in theflexible container which is one following progressively in acircumferential direc- Jfion. `It will be understood, however, thatother wave patterns may also be effective acting in directions otherthan circumferential. rEhe important elements of the inventioncomprehend a bowl or sack which has some portion of flexible character.This may be either the side wall or the bottom wall, or perhaps hoth asevidenced by FXGURES l0 and l2. The bowl or sack or other container doesnot need to be annular in its basic form. It does, however, need to havea substantial ilexible portion and does need to have some motionimparting mechanism operatively associated with the flexible portion sothat a wave pattern can be transmitted through the flexible container tothe contents. Further still, although a desired eective speed of thewave pattern such as that described in connection with the form ofdevice illustrated in FIG- URES 4, 5, and 6 is often a high speed,special circumstances -may require the device to be operated at lowerspeeds. For example, in the -form of devices of FIG- URES 10 and l2where the sacl; merely rests upon the motion imparting plates detined aswobble plates, the rotation in these instances should be slightly lessthan that capable of producing motion in the particles at speeds greaterthan the acceleration rate of gravity. ln continuous type mixers therates can be appreciably less because of the continuous mixing from oneend of the container to the other. The slower rate is also to bepreferred because of the need for keeping the sack in downwardengagement with the plates. Although the plurality of plates has beenshown, the continuous character of mixing can also be achieved with nomore than one plate located beneath the ilexible sack.

chamber 163 of the bowl.

In the form of device illustrated in FIGURE 13 there is shown a sack 140of an elongated type having a charging hatch '1411 at one end and adischarge gate 142 at the other end, the sack being tilted from thecharging end downwardly toward the gate.

To induce a wave pattern in the sack 140 and the ingredients thereinwhich are to be mixed, there is shown in this instance a pair of motioninducing rockers 143 and 144 by way of example. In this example thebottom portion 145 of the sack 14d is also iiexible. Rocker 143 ispivotally mounted upon a pivot pin 146 supported upon a lbracket 147,the pin being attached to a lower end 14S of the rocker. At an upper end149, the rocker is attached to a motion imparting member which may be adrive cylinder G designed to be either pneumatically or hydraulicallyactuated. The `drive cylinder is in turn connected through a shaft 151to the upper end 149 of the rocker. The rocker lays on one side of thebottom as illustrated in FIGURE 13a.

The rocker 144 similarly is provided with a pin 152 by means of whichthe rocker is pivotally mounted upon the bracket 147 at a locationparallel to and spaced from the rocker V143. In this instance also thereis provided a drive cylinder y153` attached to the rocker 144 by meansof a sha-ft 154.

Accordingly in this form of -device the drive cylinders 150 and 153respectively, are operated in alternating sequence at a relatively rapidrate, the upper ends being moved throughout the greatest arc but withthe same frequency as the remaining portions of the rocker. -Byalternating operation of the rockers, a wave pattern is transmitted tothe bottom 145 of the sack 140 which shifts from side to sidetransversely of the sack as the ingredients progress from the upper endof the sack to the gate 142. Because of the steady movement of thecontents from the upper end of the sack to the lower end, the speed ofthe wave pattern which is imparted to the contents of the sack can andshould be something less than that capable of producing movement of eachelement as'its surface moves up and down at a rate which does not exceedthe accelerating rate of 32.16 feet per second. Nevertheless, the wavepattern so induced is progressive at least from side to side of thesack, and when the pattern is at the right rate of speed a very rapidmixing will take place. Caution, however, should be observed in this andother forms of the device where a wave pattern is induced to makecertain that the particular speed elected is not one which is productiveof a resonant effect. In the form of device illustrated in FIGURE 14,there is shown a bowl 158 which has a ilexible annular side wall 159 anda substantially flexible bottom 150. In this form of device there ispreferably provided a plate 161 Vforming part of the bottom at thecentral point of which is mounted a column 162 which extends upwardlyinto v the interior The column may be of different sizes and heighthsand one effective is a column consisting of a synthetic plastic materialor other comparable material which is rigid and which can be securelyanchored to the plate 161.

ln this -form there may also be provided bosses 164 and 165 which areshallow projections extending inwardly from the interior wall of theside 159 of the bowl.

When a progressive wave pattern is imparted to this form of device andparticularly a wave or wobble pattern which progresses circumferentiallythe top of the column 162 will also shift about rapidly at themid-portion of the mass thereby to break up movement at the mid-portionto prevent the production of a relatively dead area at the center.Movement of the top of the column 162 will provide a very substantialstirring action as will also movement of lower portions of the column.The bosses 164 and 165 will also contribute to a churning of theingredients where such an additional churning eifect is advantageous.lthough the introduction of the column and the bosses into the interioror" theV receptacle in this instance does place therein objects whichmay be the subject of some wear, special circumstances may suggest thatthe increased advantage in the churning is more to be desired thanminimization of portions which may wear. The character of theingredients being mixed and the speed of mixing will in many instancesentirely offset the possible disadvantage of contamination.

`In the form of device illustrated in FIGURE 15 there is shown a bowl1711 having a flexible side wall 171 and a bottom 172. A wobble plate173 is located at the center of the bottom -1'72 on the outside surfaceand on the inside surface is a conical projection 174. The conical shapeembodied in the projection being one of a very broad base and verynarrow apex avoids a decided churning ei'fect but nevertheless by virtueof the presence of the conical projection, the ingredients within thebowl are compelled to concentrate in the space between the wall 17.1 andthe conical projection. Hence, the physical presence of this projectioninhibits the accumulation of any ingredients at a central location wheremotion might be at a minimum thereby to avoid the prospect ofsegregation of the component parts to be mixed.

While the invention has herein been shown and described in what isconceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it isrecognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope of theinvention, which is not to be limited to the details disclosed hereinbut is to be accorded the full scope of the claims so as to embrace anyand all equivalent devices.

Having described the invention,vwhat is claimed as new in support ofLetters Patent is: Y

1. A mixer for materials comprising a trame, a drive means rmounted onsaid frame, a container for said materials having a exible portion, adistorting mechanism for said container having an element thereof inengagement with the ilexible portion and movable in a wave formingpattern, and an operating connection from said drive means to saiddistorting mechanism, said container being of yieldable material andhaving an endless progressive cycle of deformation in response to wavemotion induced therein by said distorting mechanism.

2.V A mixer for materials comprising a frame, a drive shaft memberrotatably mounted on said frame, a wobble assembly comprising acontainer for said materials having a flexible wall, said containerhaving a wobble element vin engagement with the bottom and tilted withrespect to horizontal at a fixed angle and a wobble drive connectionbetween said wobble element and said drive shaft, said wobble assemblybeing mounted above said drive shaft and in operative engagement withsaid container, said container being of yieldable material and having aperimetrically progressive cycle of `deformation in response to wobblemotion induced in said wobble element by said drive shaft member.

3. A mixer for materials comprising a frame, a drive shaft memberrotatably mounted on said frame, a wobble assembly comprising acontainer for said material having a flexible wall, said containerhaving a wobble element in engagement with the bottom at a fixed degreeof tilt with respect to horizontal and a |wobble drive connectionbetween said wobble telement and said drive shaft, said wobble elementbeing mounted above the upper end of said drive shaft in supportedposition thereon and having a peripherally progressive verticallyreciprocating movement, and a drive connection between -said wobbleelement and said container, said flexible side wall being yieldablealternately outwardly and inwardly and having 'a periphenallyprogressive cycle of deformation in response to wobble motion induced insaid wobble element by said drive shaft member.

4. A mixer for materials comprising a fname, a dnive 'shaft memberrotatably mounted on saidframe in substantially a vertical position, -awobble assembly comprising a wobble plate having a mixer supporting areatilted with respect to horizontal and a wobble drive connection betweensaid wobble plate and said drive shaft, said wobble assembly beingmounted on the upper end of said drive shaft in supported positionthereon and having a peripherally progressive vertically reciprocallymovement, and a container rior said materials having a bottom fwall insupported relationship on said mixer supporting area, said containerhaving a ilexible side wall yieldable alternately outwardly and inwardlyand having a peripherally progressive cycle of deformation in responseto wobble motion induced in said wobble plate through said wobble driveconnection by said drive shaft member.

5. A mobile batch mixer for materials comprising a base frame, a mobilesupport for said base frame a-nd a source of power carried by said baseframe, a drive member mounted on said base frame in a substantiallyvertical position and operatively connected to said source of power, an`auxiliary frame, a container for said materials having an opentopsecured to said auxiliary frame, a bottom, and a liexible side wallinterconnecting said bottom with said top, means tiltably mounting saidauxiliary frame and said container on said 1oase frame and enabling saidcontainer to be tilted from a mixing position to a dumping position, adistorting mechanism in engagement with said bottom and in supportingrelationship therewith, and -driving means operatively connected betweensaid distorting mechanism and said drive member for imparting aprogressive wave producing motion to said distorting mechanism and saidcontainer.

6. A mobile batch mixer for materials comprising a base frame, a mobilesupport for said base frame and a source of power carried by said baseframe, a drive shaft member rotatably mounted on said base frame in asubstantially vertical position and operatively connected to said sourceof power, an auxiliary frame, a container for said materials having anopen top secured to said auxiliary frame, a bottom, and a flexible sidewall interconnecting said bottom with said top, means tiltably mountingsaid auxiliary frame and said container on said base frame, saidauxiliary trame and said container being tiltable from a mixing positionto a dumping position, a wobble plate in engagement with said bottom andin supporting relationship therewith and having a perimeter locatedinwardly relative to said'wall, said wobble plate having acircumferentially progressive vertically reciproeating motion, androtatably acting driving means operatively connected between said wobbleplate and said drive shaft member for imparting said motion to saidwobble plate and said container.

7. A mobile batch mixer for materials comprising a 'base frame, a mobilesupport for said base frame and a source of power, a drive shaft memberrotatably mounted on said base frame in a substantially verticalposition and operatively connected to said source of power, an auxiliaryframe, a container for said materials having an open top secured to saidauxiliary frame, a bottom, and a flexible side wall interconnecting saidbottom lwith said top, means tiltably -mounting said auxiliary frame onsaid base frame, said auxiliary frame and said container being tiltableabout said mounting from a mixing position to a dumping position, awobble plate in engagement with said bottom and in supportingrelationship therewith and having a perimeter located inwardly relativeto said wall, said wobble plate having a circumferentially progressivevertically reciprocating motion, and driving means operatively connectedbetween said wobble plate and said drive shaft member for imparting saidmotion to said wobble plate and said container, said driving meanscomprising a wobble shaft rotatably mounting said wobble plate on saiddrive shaft in a position at substantially a tilt of from about 5degrees to 30y degrees from horizontal and operable in acircumferentially pro- "gressive direction whereby to impart said motionto said l2 wobble plate and said container in response to actuation bysaid source of power` 8. A mixer for materials comprising a base frame,a support for said base frame and a source of power carried by said baseframe, a drive member mounted on said base frame and operativelyconnected to said source of power, an auxiliary frame, a container forsaid materials having a top secured to said auxiliary frame, a bottom,and a flexible side vwall interconnecting said bottom with said top, -adistorting member in engagement with said bottom and in supportingrelationship therewith, said distorting member being movable in a waveform pattern and driving means yoperatively connected between saiddistorting member and said drive member for imparting a progressive waveforro pattern of motion to said container', said driving meanscomprising contacting means engageable with the bottom of the containerat progressively diterent locations whereby to impart acircumferentially progressive wave form pattern of motion to saiddistorting member and said container in response to actuation by saidsource of power.

9. A mixer for materials comprising a base iframe, a support for saidbase frame and a source of power carried by said base frame, a driveshaft member rotatably mounted on said base frame in a substantiallyvertical position and operatively connected to said source of power, anauxiliary frame, acontainer for said materials having a top secured tosaid auxiliary frame, a bottom, and a flexible side wall interconnectingsaid bottom with said top, a wobble plate in engagement with said bottomand in supporting relationship therewith, and driving means operativelyconnected between said wobble plate and said drive shaft member forimparting a circumferentially progressive wobble motion to said wobbleplate and said container, those portions of said container lying in .aposition opposed to motion of said wobble plate having a yieldablecharacter and being displaceable when subjected to said motion, saiddriving means comprising a wobble 'shaft rotatably mounting said wobbleplate on said drive shaft in a position at a tilt of from about 5degrees to 30 degrees from horizontal and operable in ,aciroumferentially progressive direction whereby to irnpart acircumferentially progressive wobble motion to said wobble plate andsaid container in response to actuation by said source of power.

10. A mixer for materials comprising a base frame, a support for saidbase frame and a source of power carried by said base frame, a driveshaft member rotatably mounted on said base frame in a substantiallyvertical position and operatively connected to said source of power, anauxiliary frame, a container for said materials having a top secured tosaid auxiliary frame, a bottom and a flexible side wall interconnectingsaid bottom with said top, a wobble area on the exterior of said bottom,and driving means operatively connected between said wobble area andsaid drive shaft member for imparting a circumferentially progressivewobble motion to said wobble area and said container, said driving meanscomprising a transverse shaft having the inner end nonrotatably securedto said drive shaft and extending beneath said wobble area and a rolleron the outer end of the transverse shaft in rolling engagement with theunderside of said wobble area and operable i-n a circumferentiallyprogressive direction whereby to impart a circumferentially progressivewobble motion to said wobble area and the container.

l1. A mixer for materials comprising a base frame, a support for saidbase frame and a source of power carried by said base frame, a driveshaft member rotatably mounted on said base frame in a substantiallyvertical position and operatively connected to said source of power, an`auxiliary frame, a container for said materials having a top secured tosaid auxiliary frame, a bottom, and a flexible side wall interconnectingsaid bottom with said top, a wobble area on said bottom and insupporting relationship therewith, and rdriving means operativelyconnected between said wobble area and said drive shaft member forimparting a circumferentially progressive wobble motion to said wobbletarea and said container, said driving means comprising an intermediateplate between said wobble area and said drive shaft, a series ofvertically acting cams spaced circumferentially about the perimeter ofsaid intermediate plate and in engagement with said wobble area, and acam drive yon said drive shaft member operable on said series of cams ina circumferentially progressive direction whereby to impart acircumferentially progressive wobble motion to said wobble area and saidcontainer in response to actuation by said source of power.

l2. A portable mixer for materials comprising a mobile chassis having abed, at least one drive shaft rotatably mounted on the bed, a wobbleplate for said Idrive shaft having an taxis of rotation tilted at anoblique angle with relation to the horizontal, and a wobble drive fromsaid drive shaft to the wobble plate, a container having a wall -offlexible material, said container having a discharge gate for mixedmaterial, a material feeding hatch for unmixed materials and asuspension fixture, said conrainer having a position for mixingextending over said wobble plate and supported thereby, those portionsof said container llying in a position opposed to motion of said wobbleplate having a yieldable character and being displaceable when subjectedto said motion, said material being adapted to be rapidly mixed byoperation of said wobble plate, said container when loaded with mixedmaterial being adapted to be lifted from said wobble plate and moved toa ijnal location for placement.

13. A portable mixer for materials comprising a mobile chassis having anelongated bed, a plurality of drive shafts rotatably mounted on the bedin substantially vertical positions and a source of power incommunication with said drive shafts, a wobble plate for each ydriveshaft having an axis of rotation tilted at an oblique angle withrelation to the respective drive shaft, said drive shafts beingrotatable relative to the Arespective wobble plate, and a wobble drivefrom said drive shaft to the wobble plate, a single container having awall of -exible material, said container having at :one end a dischargegate for mixed material and at the other end a material feeding hatchfor unmixed materials, and a suspension xture at said other end, saidcontainer having a position for mixing extending over said plurality ofwobble plates and supported thereby with said hatch facing upwardly atone end and said discharge gate resting on said bed in closed positionat the other end, those portions of said container lying in a positionopposed to motion of said wobble plate having a displaceable characterand location fand. being displaceable when subjected to said motion,said material being adapted to be rapidly mixed by operation of saidwobble plates, said container when loaded with mixed material beingadapted to be lifted from said wobble plates by use of said suspensionixture to a iinal location for placement.

14. A continuous mixer Ifor materials comprising a stationary bed, aplurality of drive shafts rotatably mounted on said bed, a wobble platefor each drive shaft having an axis of rotation tilted at an obliqueangle with relation to the horizontal, and a wobble drive from saiddrive shafts to the respective wobble plates, a container having a wallof flexible material, said container having a discharge openingincluding a closure therefor and having a charging hatch, the flexibleWall at locations thereof adjacent the wobble plates being supportedthereby, those portions of said container lying in a position opposed tomotion of said wobble plate having a displaceable charfacter andlocation and being displaceable when subjected to said motion, said wallwhen moved in response to movement of said wobble plate being adapted tocontinuously mix said materials into a homogeneous mass while passingthrough the container from the charging hatch to the discharge opening.

15. A continuous mixer for materials comprising a stationary bed, driveshafts rotatably mounted in alignment on said bed in substantiallyvertical positions spaced one kfrom another, a wobble plate for eachdrive shaft having an taxis of rotation tilted at an oblique angle withrelation to the respective drive shaft, said drive shaft being rotatablewith relation to the respective wobble plate, and a wobble drive fromsaid drive shafts to the respective wobble plates, la `single containerhaving a wall of exible material, said container having at one end adischarge opening including a closure therefor and at the other end acharging hatch, the iexible wall at locations thereof adjacent thewobble plates being secured to lche wobble plates and supported thereby,those portions of said container lying in a position opposed to motionof said wobble plate having a displaceable character and location andbeing displaceable when subjected to said motion, said 'wobble platesbeing operatable at la speed productive of resultant vertical movementof portions of said plate about the area thereof whereby to continuouslymix said materials into a homogeneous mass while said materials arepassing through the container'from the charging hatch to the dischargeopening.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,336,438 Evans Dec. 7, 1943* 2,497,532. Berkman Feb. 14, 1950 2,499,162Rand Feb. 28, 1950 2,648,344 Randolph Aug. ll, 1953 2,809,020 Magee etalOct. 8, 1957 '2,915,983 Berrian Dec. 8, 1959 2,95 8,294 Johnson Nov. 1,1960i 3,030,081- Wilson Apr. 17, 1962 FOREIGN PATENTS 1,049,343 GermanyJune \15, 1955

1. A MIXER FOR MATERIALS COMPRISING A FRAME, A DRIVE MEANS MOUNTED ONSAID FRAME, A CONTAINER FOR SAID MATERIALS HAVING A FLEXIBLE PORTION, ADISTORTING MECHANISM FOR SAID CONTAINER HAVING AN ELEMENT THEREOF INENGAGEMENT WITH THE FLEXIBLE PORTION AND MOVABLE IN A WAVE FORMINGPATTERN, AND AN OPERATING CONNECTION FROM SAID DRIVE MEANS TO SAIDDISTORTING MECHANISM, SAID CONTAINER BEING OF YIELDABLE MATERIAL ANDHAVING AN ENDLESS PROGRESSIVE CYCLE OF DEFORMATION IN RESPONSE TO WAVEMOTION INDUCED THEREIN BY SAID DISTORTING MECHANISM.